Combination Ultrasound Transducer and Fat Injecting Cannula

ABSTRACT

A medical device for injecting fat while simultaneously allowing the injection site to be viewed with ultrasound. The device may comprise a handle with a front portion and a rear portion, a cannula having a cannula tip, extending from the front portion of the handle, and an ultrasound probe attached to the handle, the ultrasound probe comprising an ultrasound head. The ultrasound head is aligned with and spaced apart from the cannula tip, and remains so aligned during the injection process so that the injection area may be continuously viewed during the procedure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/343,141 filed on Jun. 9, 2021 which issues as U.S. Pat. No.11,490,925 on Nov. 8, 2022 (Docket No. ALSU-004). Each of theaforementioned patent applications is herein incorporated by referencein their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND

The described example embodiments in general relate to cannulas andultrasound probes for use with autologous fat transplantation.Autologous fat transplantation, or fat grafting, transfers fat fromareas of the body where there may be an excess of fat, and injects itinto areas that may be either lacking in volume, or where a persondesires more fat or an improved shape, such as the buttocks, breasts,hands, or face. Autologous fat injection can result in a more permanentchange than that provided by other methods, such as the use of temporaryfillers. In other words, fat transfer results can be long-lived, safe,and natural. When used for a fuller buttock, liposuction can be used notonly to sculpt the area surrounding the injection location, but may alsobe used to collect the autologous fat that will be injected.

SUMMARY

Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to acombination ultrasound transducer and fat injecting cannula that canallow a user to inject fat into a patient while viewing tissue in theinjection area with a probe, all while using the device with one hand.Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include ahandle comprising a front portion and a rear portion. A cannula having acannula tip generally extends from the front portion of the handle, andfurther, an ultrasound probe is also attached to the handle, theultrasound probe comprising an ultrasound head. The ultrasound head isaligned with and spaced apart from the cannula tip, such that a user canview tissue in close proximity to the cannula tip. In some otherembodiments, the ultrasound probe is attached so that it can be pivotedto change the spacing between the ultrasound head and the cannula tip sothat the apparatus can be used to inject fat at different depths.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments ofthe present disclosure in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments ofthat will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matterof the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining atleast one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the variousembodiments are not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

To better understand the nature and advantages of the presentdisclosure, reference should be made to the following description andthe accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each ofthe figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is notintended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the presentdisclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evidence to thecontrary from the description, where elements in different FIGS. useidentical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identicalor at least similar in function or purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination ultrasound transducer andfat injecting cannula in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a combination ultrasoundtransducer and fat injecting cannula in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a combination ultrasound transducer and fatinjecting cannula in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is another side view of a combination ultrasound transducer andfat injecting cannula in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a lock mechanism usable with a combinationultrasound transducer and fat injecting cannula in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a combination ultrasound transducer and fatinjecting cannula in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a combination ultrasound transducer and fatinjecting cannula connected in a system in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a combination ultrasound transducer and fatinjecting cannula in use in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another side view of a combination ultrasound transducer andfat injecting cannula in use in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview.

Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to amedical device 10 that can allow a user to inject fat into a patientwhile viewing tissue in the injection area with a probe. Unlike othermethods, the injection and positioning of the ultrasound probe can beperformed while using the device with one hand. Some of the variousembodiments of the present disclosure include a handle 50 comprising afront portion 56 and a rear portion 58. A cannula 30 having a cannulatip 32 generally extends from the front portion 56 of the handle 50, andfurther, an ultrasound probe 20 is also attached to the handle 50, theultrasound probe 20 comprising an ultrasound head 22.

The ultrasound head 22 is aligned with and spaced apart from the cannulatip 32, such that a user can view tissue in close proximity to thecannula tip 32 while injecting fat or positioning the cannula 30. Insome embodiments, the ultrasound probe 20 is attached so that it can bepivoted in or about the handle 50 to change the spacing or spatialrelationship between the ultrasound head 22 and the cannula tip 32 sothat the medical device 10 can be used to inject fat at different depthsin a patient's tissue.

In some embodiments, the medical device 10 can also include a lock 40usable to hold the ultrasound probe 20 and head 22 in a fixed positionrelative to the cannula tip 32. For example, if the ultrasound probe 20is pivotally connected to the handle 50, the lock may be adapted toprevent the ultrasound probe from pivoting, either in a singledirection, or in any direction. In some embodiments, the medical device10 may have a lock that is spring-loaded, such that it is biased in thelocked position. In addition, the ultrasound probe 20 can comprise alever 24 adaptable to adjust the distance between the ultrasound head 22and the cannula tip 32.

In some embodiments of the medical device, the ultrasound head 22 may bea linear ultrasound head. A linear probe will typically produce arectangular field of view that corresponds with its linear footprint. Alinear probe is also a high frequency probe that provides very goodresolution. The linear ultrasound probe can be used in Doppler mode, aswell as other modes. In Doppler mode, a user can detect blood flow invessels, and may thus be able to avoid unwanted positioning of thecannula tip 32 relative to blood vessels.

In use, the medical device 10 may be constructed such that theultrasound head 22 is aligned with the cannula tip 32 such that aplacement of the cannula tip 32 within a patient is within an ultrasoundfield of the ultrasound head. For example, the ultrasound probe 20 canbe pivotally connected to the handle 50 such that the distance betweenthe ultrasound head 22 and the cannula tip 32 is adjustable, and whereinthe placement of the cannula tip 32 within a patient remains within theultrasound field when the ultrasound probe 20 is pivoted to adjust thedistance.

In some embodiments, the medical device 10 may further comprise a fattransfer port 54 at the rear portion 58 of the handle 50, wherein thefat transfer port 54 is in fluid communication with the cannula 30. Thehandle 50 may also comprise a wire connection point 52 for theultrasound probe 20 near the rear portion 58 of the handle 50.

The medical device 10 may be used by adjusting a position of theultrasound head 22 relative to the cannula tip 32 to a first position.Next, the cannula may be inserted into a fat injection area 80 of apatient. The method may comprise contacting a patient's skin with theultrasound head 22 proximate the fat injection area 80, and injectingfat in the fat injection area 80 while viewing a placement of thecannula tip 32 inside the patient on an ultrasound monitor 70.

The method described above may further comprise adjusting the positionof the ultrasound head 22 relative to the cannula tip 32 to a secondposition after adjusting to the first position. In addition, the methodmay include locking the ultrasound head 22 in the second positionrelative to the cannula tip 32, by operating the lock 40. The placementof the cannula tip 32 can be viewed on the ultrasound monitor 70 inDoppler mode, to show the presence of blood vessels (because the flow ofblood can be seen or interpreted in Doppler mode). Once the cannula 30is properly positioned, as determined by viewing the ultrasound fromultrasound head 22, fat may be injected into the injection area 80through pump 60, which is connected to fat transfer port 54 near therear portion 58 of handle 50. As mentioned previously, the fat transferport 54 is in fluid communication with the cannula 30, such that whenpump 60 is activated, fat is injected at the cannula tip 32.

B. Handle.

Some example embodiments of the medical device 10 include a handle 50,which is ergonomically designed and allows for adjustment as well. Asbest shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7-9 , the handle 50 is comprised of a rearportion 58 and a front portion 56. A user, such as a surgeon or doctor,can hold the handle 50 in one hand and position a fat-injection cannula30 and an ultrasound probe 20 and ultrasound head 22 at the same time.Near or at the rear portion 58 of the handle 50, there may be a fattransfer port 54, which is in fluid communication with the cannula 30,such that fat pumped into or introduced into the fat transfer port 54can be injected into a patient at a desired location. As shown in FIGS.1-4 and 6-9 , the handle 50 may also include a wire connection point 52near fat transfer port 54, at the rear portion of handle 50. The wireconnection point 52 is usable to electrically connect the ultrasoundprobe 20 to an ultrasound monitor 70, and any other components, asnecessary.

In addition to discrete ports and connection points at the rear portion58 of the handle, the medical device 10 may also include otherconfigurations. For example, instead of fat transfer port 54, the device10 may include a tube that enters the handle 50 directly, and has asuitable length such that it can be directly connected to pump 60.Similarly, the medical device 10 may not necessarily include a wireconnection point 52 (which may be a connector, for example), but maysimilarly have a longer wire or cable that extends out of the handle 50(near the rear portion 58) and connects directly at its far end to anultrasound monitor or other ultrasound equipment.

Within the handle 50, some embodiments may include a lock 40. The lock40 operates to lock the ultrasound probe 20 in position. As shown bycomparing FIGS. 3 and 4 , as well as 8 and 9, the ultrasound probe 20may be pivoted within or relative to handle 50. Accordingly, theultrasound probe 20 may be pivotally connected to the handle 50 to pivotabout point 26 (although the probe may pivot about another point of thehandle as well), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . FIGS. 3 and 5 includecutaway views to show some lock components within the handle. As shownin FIG. 5 , the device 10 includes a lock wheel 42 that will move whenthe ultrasound probe 20 is pivoted. Thus, if lock wheel 42 is preventedfrom rotating, in either one or two directions, the ultrasound probe 20will also be locked in position. As mentioned, the lock 40 can bebidirectional or unidirectional. The ultrasound probe 20 may be linkedor connected to lock wheel 42 inside the handle 50 by a probe connectingmember 28, such that when the ultrasound probe 20 is pivoted, the lockwheel 42 rotates.

At the front portion of the handle 50, the cannula 30 extends forward,away from the fat transfer port 54 and wire connection point 52. Thecannula 30 ends at a tip 32, which may be any number of shapes or sizes.The tip 32 is the injection end of the cannula 30, where fat emergeswhen forced through the cannula 30. The handle 50 allows for goodcontrol of the position of the cannula 30 and its tip 32. The handlealso serves to hold or maintain the ultrasound probe 20 and ultrasoundhead 22 in a fixed position relative to the cannula tip 32. As will bediscussed in more detail below, this allows a surgeon to manipulate theprobe and the cannula with just one hand, while allowing the use of theother hand to control and palpate the injection area.

C. Lock.

Within the handle 50, some embodiments may include a lock 40. The lock40 operates to lock the ultrasound probe 20 in position. As shown bycomparing FIGS. 3 and 4 , as well as FIGS. 8 and 9 , the ultrasoundprobe 20 may be pivoted within or relative to handle 50. Accordingly,the ultrasound probe 20 may be pivotally connected to the handle 50 topivot about point 26 (although the probe may pivot about another pointof the handle as well), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . FIGS. 3 and 5include cutaway views to show some lock components within the handle. Asshown in FIG. 5 , the device 10 includes a lock wheel 42 that will movewhen the ultrasound probe 20 is pivoted. Thus, if lock wheel 42 isprevented from rotating, in either one or two directions, the ultrasoundprobe 20 will also be locked in position. As mentioned, the lock 40 canbe bidirectional or unidirectional. The lock mechanism may include alock recess 44 that engages a lock tooth 46 to prevent rotation of thelock wheel 42, and accordingly, the ultrasound probe 20 and head 22.Locking the ultrasound probe 20 in this manner ensures that a user isable to maintain pressure and good contact between the ultrasound head22 and the patient's skin, resulting in a good ultrasound view of thecannula 30, the cannula tip 32, and the fat injection area 80.

The lock 40 may be held in a desired position (e.g., locked or unlocked)by friction between the lock 40 and the channel 47, by spring pressure,or a combination of the two. In addition, the lock 40 may be configuredto move in a linear fashion, or it may pivot about lock pivot 43, asshown, for example, in FIG. 5 . In addition, a spring 48 can beconnected as shown, above lock pivot 43 (which can be a fixed, internalportion of handle 50), so that the spring 48 urges the lock 40 into the“engaged” position. One end of the spring 48 may be connected to thelock at connection 49, as shown. The opposite, fixed end of spring 48may be secured to a portion of the handle 50 at a spring anchor point45.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-4 , the lock 40 may be located wherethe handle 50 rises toward the adjustment lever 24, so that both thelock 40 and the adjustment lever 24 can be operated with a user's thumb,while holding and manipulating handle 50. This provides not onlyconvenience, but safety, because it allows operation of the device 10without taking the user's eyes off of other areas, such as the patient'sinjection site, or the ultrasound monitor 70.

D. Ultrasound Probe and Head.

As mentioned briefly above, the ultrasound head 22 is aligned with andspaced apart from the cannula tip 32, such that a user can view tissuein close proximity to the cannula tip 32 while injecting fat orpositioning the cannula 30. This is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-4 ,and is perhaps best shown in use on a patient in FIGS. 8-9 . Theultrasound probe 20 is attached to the handle 50 so that it can bepivoted in or about the handle 50 to change the spacing or spatialrelationship between the ultrasound head 22 and the cannula tip 32 sothat the medical device 10 can be used to inject fat at different depthsin a patient's tissue.

The ultrasound head 22 may be a linear ultrasound head. A linear probewill typically produce a rectangular field of view that corresponds withits linear footprint. A linear probe is also typically a high frequencyprobe that provides very good resolution. The linear ultrasound probecan be used in Doppler mode, as well as other modes. In Doppler mode, auser can detect blood flow in vessels, and may thus be able to avoidunwanted positioning of the cannula tip 32 relative to blood vessels.

In use, the medical device 10 may be constructed such that theultrasound head 22 is aligned with the cannula tip 32 such that aplacement of the cannula tip 32 within a patient is within an ultrasoundfield of the ultrasound head. For example, the ultrasound probe 20 canbe pivotally connected to the handle 50 such that the distance betweenthe ultrasound head 22 and the cannula tip 32 is adjustable, and whereinthe placement of the cannula tip 32 within a patient remains within theultrasound field when the ultrasound probe 20 is pivoted to adjust thedistance. This relationship may be achieved by having the cannula tip 32placed more “forward” (i.e., toward the left in FIG. 8 ) when theultrasound head 22 is in a closed position, wherein the head 22 is asclose to tip 32 as it can be. Accordingly, when the device 10 is openedfurther, by pivoting the ultrasound head 22 farther away from thecannula tip 32, the tip is still well within the ultrasound field ofview. This relationship can be seen to hold even in the more extremeopening shown in FIG. 4 .

The ultrasound probe 20 can be adjusted relative to the handle 50 withthe use of adjustment lever 24, which, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 ,extends just beyond the handle 50 near, but above, the front portion 56of the handle 50. This placement allows for easy, ergonomic operation ofthe lever 24 to adjust the spacing or position of the ultrasound headwith a user's thumb. In most instances, the medical device 10 will beheld in the user's dominant hand.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.

For autologous fat transfer, fat is typically harvested from one part ofthe body, purified and washed, and then reinjected into areas whereaugmentation is desired. It may be necessary to repeat this proceduremore than once to achieve the desired effect. The site selected for fatremoval may be treated with a local anesthetic, after which a smallincision can be made in the area for harvesting fat. The cannula 30 maybe used for the fat removal as well as the fat injection.

Next, the area to receive the fat injection is prepared, similar to thatdescribed above, including a sterile incision. The cannula 30 isinserted into the incision, after the surgeon has adjusted the distance(i.e., a first distance) between the ultrasound head 22 and the cannula.The surgeon may decide to begin with the ultrasound head 22 adjusted toa wide open position, as shown in FIG. 4 , or in a closed position, asshown in FIGS. 7-8 . As desired, the ultrasound probe can either belocked or unlocked at the start of the procedure, per the surgeon'spreference. After adjusting the position of the ultrasound head 22, thecannula is inserted into the patient's tissue at the injection area 80,as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .

The procedure of autologous fat transfer, especially for buttockaugmentation, has been associated with increased morbidity and mortalitysecondary to inadvertent intravascular placement of the injected fat.Even in the hands of experienced surgeons, it is difficult to accuratelyplace the fat with absolute certainty and accuracy, unless the injectionsite can be visualized. Techniques that utilize ultrasound probes toincrease the safety of this procedure have been suggested. Suchtechniques give the surgeon the advantage of visualization of thestructured anatomy of the fat layers and the muscles that lie beneath.Such visualization can be used with Doppler mode, to further assist asurgeon in locating and avoiding major vessels.

Until now, use of ultrasound in autologous fat transfer has beenhindered by the fact that the surgeon would have to juggle theultrasound probe in one hand and the injection cannula with the other,losing the advantage of using the non-dominant hand for palpating thelocation of the cannula used to inject the fat and the area where thefat is being placed. In addition, the surgeon needs to balance themovement of both the ultrasound probe and the injection cannulasimultaneously to visualize the structures and assertion of theinjection level as well, which turns out to be quite challenging.

The new design of medical device 10 makes it possible to use one hand,usually the dominant one, to control the movement of both the ultrasoundprobe 20 and the injection cannula 30, with a real-time visualization ofthe fat layers, muscles, vessels, and knowledge of the level that thefat is being placed, and allows this to be done continuously. Themedical device 10 also helps free the non-dominant hand to control andpalpate the area of injection without the surgeon needing to controlboth instruments with two hands while also palpating the area.

To begin the injection procedure, the medical device 10, andspecifically, ultrasound probe 20, is typically connected to anultrasound monitor 70 or other ultrasound equipment via wire connectionpoint 52, as shown in FIG. 7 . The device 10 is also connected to a pump60, which is fluidly connected to fat transfer port 54. Port 54 is alsoin fluid communication with cannula 30. Once the device is connected,the ultrasound head 22 is brought into, or maintained in, contact withthe patient's skin just above the precise injection site. The ultrasoundprobe 20 and the fat injecting cannula 30 are held in positionalrelationship with each other by the ergonomically designed handle 50.The use of the medical device 10 for this procedure increases the safetyand precision of placing the injected autologous fat, due to real-timevisualization of the injection area 80 through use of the ultrasoundprobe 20.

As mentioned above and as shown by comparison of FIGS. 8 and 9 , thedevice can be used to view the injection via ultrasound, at differentdepths. As shown, the cannula tip 32 is at a greater depth in FIG. 9than it is in FIG. 8 . The ultrasound probe 20 can be locked at anydepth after initial insertion of the cannula 30, and this process ofdetermining the depth can be aided in real time by viewing the imageproduced by the ultrasound head 22 on monitor 70. The position of theultrasound head 22, and probe 20, is adjusted by operation of lever 24,typically with a surgeon's dominant hand and the surgeon is also holdinghandle 50. The distance between the ultrasound head 22 and the cannulatip 32 can be lock by a surgeon, typically by using the thumb of thedominant hand to operate the lock 40 by either sliding it or pressing itup or down.

The lock mechanism may include a lock recess 44 that engages a locktooth 46 to prevent rotation of the lock wheel 42, and accordingly, theultrasound probe 20 and head 22. Locking the ultrasound probe 20 in thismanner ensures that a user is able to maintain pressure and good contactbetween the ultrasound head 22 and the patient's skin, resulting in agood ultrasound view of the cannula 30, the cannula tip 32, and the fatinjection area 80. In addition to the embodiment shown, other lockarrangements are possible. For example, the lock 40 may comprise a lockrecess 44 of a different shape or profile, such as a square orrectangular notch, with a lock tooth 46 shaped and sized to fit therecess 44 (whatever shape it has). A square or rectangular lock would beusable to lock the ultrasound probe 20 in position so that it would notopen wider or narrower—in other words, so it would not be pivotable atall until the lock is released.

Thus, the use of the device 10 may comprise adjusting a position of theultrasound head 22 relative to the cannula tip 32 to a first position,inserting the cannula 30 into a fat injection area 80 of the patient,contacting the patient's skin with the ultrasound head 22 proximate thefat injection area 80, and injecting fat in the fat injection area 80while viewing the placement of the cannula tip 32 in real time insidethe patient, on an ultrasound monitor 70. The method may furthercomprise adjusting the position of the ultrasound head 22 relative tothe cannula tip 32 to a second position after adjusting it to the firstposition. This latter method may also include locking the ultrasoundhead 22 in the second position relative to the cannula tip 32 during fatinjection. Of course, the depth of the cannula tip 32 can be changedrepeatedly, with the ultrasound head 22 being locked in positionfollowing adjustment.

The placement of the cannula tip can advantageously be viewed on theultrasound monitor 70 in Doppler mode. Using any of various Dopplermodes (i.e., color Doppler or power Doppler) can help the surgeonvisualize blood flow, and thus, the presence and location of bloodvessels relative to the cannula tip 32, and thus allow such vessels tobe avoided.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, suitable methods and materials are described above. Allpatent applications, patents, and printed publications cited herein areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties, except for anydefinitions, subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to theextent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the expressdisclosure herein, in which case the language in this disclosurecontrols. The various embodiments of the present disclosure may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit oressential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that thevarious embodiments in the present disclosure be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilizedwithin the description are for convenience only and have no legal orlimiting effect.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a fat-injecting cannulahaving a fat-injecting cannula tip; an ultrasound probe having anultrasound head; a handle having a first portion from which thefat-injecting cannula extends along a first plane, and a second portionfrom which the ultrasound probe extends along a second plane, whereinthe first portion and the second portion are adjustable relative to oneanother between at least a first position and a second position;wherein, in the first position, the first plane and the second plane aresubstantially parallel with respect to one another; wherein, in thesecond position, the first plane and the second plane are at an acuteangle with respect to one another; wherein, in the first position, theultrasound head produces an ultrasound field of view that includes thefat-injecting cannula tip.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein adjustableupper portion of the handle is pivotally connected to first portion ofthe handle such that a distance between the ultrasound head and thefat-injecting cannula tip is adjustable by pivoting the second portionof the handle relative to the first portion of the handle.
 3. The deviceof claim 2, further comprising a lock usable to hold the second portionof the handle in a fixed position relative to the first portion of thehandle.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the lock prevents theultrasound probe from pivoting.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein thelock is spring-loaded.
 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the secondportion of the handle comprises a lever adaptable to adjust the distancebetween the ultrasound head and the fat-injecting cannula tip.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound head is a linear head.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a fat transfer port at a rearportion of the handle, wherein the fat transfer port is in fluidcommunication with the fat-injecting cannula.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein a rear portion of the handle includes a wire connection pointfor the ultrasound probe.
 10. A method of using the device of claim 1,comprising: adjusting a position of the second portion of the handlerelative to the first portion of the handle to the first position;inserting the fat-injecting cannula into a fat injection area of apatient; contacting a skin of the patient with the ultrasound headproximate the fat injection area; and injecting fat in the fat injectionarea while viewing a placement of the fat-injecting cannula tip insidethe patient on an ultrasound monitor.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising single-handedly adjusting the position of the secondportion of the handle relative to the first portion of the handle to thesecond position after adjusting to the first position.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising locking the second portion of the handle inthe second position relative to the first portion of the handle.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising viewing placement of thefat-injecting cannula tip on the ultrasound monitor in a Doppler mode.14. A device, comprising: a fat-injecting cannula having a fat-injectingcannula tip; an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound head; and a handlehaving a first portion from which the fat-injecting cannula extendsalong a first plane, and a second portion from which the ultrasoundprobe extends; wherein the second portion is pivotally connected to thefirst portion and is movable between at least a first position and asecond position; wherein, in the first position, the ultrasound head ispositioned along a second plane that is spaced apart by a first distancefrom the first plane and is substantially parallel to the first plane;wherein, in the second position, the ultrasound head is positioned alonga third plane that forms an acute angle relative to the first plane andthe ultrasound head is spaced apart from the first plane by a seconddistance that is greater than the first distance; wherein, in the firstposition, the ultrasound head produces an ultrasound field of view thatincludes the fat-injecting cannula tip.
 15. The device of claim 14,further comprising a lock usable to hold the second portion of thehandle and the ultrasound probe extending from the second portion in afixed position relative to the first portion of the handle and thefat-injecting cannula tip extending from the first portion.
 16. Thedevice of claim 15, wherein the lock prevents the second portion of thehandle and the ultrasound probe extending from the second portion frompivoting.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein the ultrasound head is alinear head.
 18. A device comprising: a fat-injecting cannula having afat-injecting cannula tip; an ultrasound probe having an ultrasoundhead; and a handle having a first portion from which the fat-injectingcannula extends along a first plane, and a second portion from which theultrasound probe extends; wherein the second portion is connected to andadjustable relative to the first portion between at least a firstposition and a second position; wherein, in the first position, theultrasound head is positioned both immediately above the fat-injectingcannula tip and along a second plane that is spaced apart andsubstantially parallel to the first plane; wherein, in the secondposition, the ultrasound head is positioned along a third plane thatforms an acute angle with the first plane; wherein, in the firstposition, the ultrasound head produces an ultrasound field of view thatincludes the fat-injecting cannula tip; wherein the first portion of thehandle includes a fat transfer port that is in fluid communication withthe fat-injecting cannula.
 19. The device of claim 18, furthercomprising a lock usable to hold the second portion of the handle andthe ultrasound probe extending from the second portion in a fixedposition relative to the first portion of the handle and thefat-injecting cannula tip extending from the first portion.
 20. Thedevice of claim 18, wherein the ultrasound head is a linear head.